Danat follows in Al Aqah’s footsteps

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The success of Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna is paving the way for future tourism developments on the UAE’s west coast.

The UAE's only west coast five-star property is proving a leisure client hit and paving the way for future tourism developments in Abu Dhabi.

Now entering its third year of operation, Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, which is located 240 km west of the city of Abu Dhabi, is witnessing strong business from international markets such as Germany and the UK, as well as weekend GCC business; and saw occupancies average 62% last year.

"This year we expect to close at between 70 and 72% and we have seen a 40% growth in overall business this year, because guests' F&B spend is very high here - higher than any of the city hotels because our F&B proposition is very good and there is literally nowhere else they can eat," explained the property's general manager, Manoj Kanwal.

"Our leisure visitors tend to stay for between one week and 10 days, and they don't leave the hotel; we are therefore looking to increase the number of in-house facilities and services we provide to leverage this."

Massages are currently on the list of services, but there are plans to build a large spa, which will open "sometime next year", added Kanwal.

Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna boasts 109 sea-facing rooms, a gym, outdoor pool, five F&B outlets, outdoor massage pavilions and offers a many activities, from cycling and fishing to water sports.

The property is also proving a hit with Dubai's meetings and incentives market due to its private and secluded location, which encourages rest and relaxation as well as productive business sessions.

In many ways the hotel is following in the footsteps of Fujairah's Le Meridien Al Aqah resort by placing an unknown UAE destination on the map.

And like the Le Meridien property, which has become a favourite getaway with international guests, GCC weekend visitors and the MICE market, Danat Resort will soon be joined by new resorts.

"The [Abu Dhabi] TDIC (Tourism Development & Investment Company) has plans to develop this area and nearby Sir Bani Yas island where eco-resorts are planned," revealed Kanwal.

"This will help us promote the west coast further - and to get more brochure space."

Kanwal also acknowledged that the west coast was in direct competition to the east coast as both destinations were deemed similar "out-of-the-city" propositions by the trade and consumers alike.

"European tour operators have told us that our prices are more expensive than those of properties in Fujairah, but we will keep them that way," he said.

"We are a different proposition to Fujairah and we don't compete on price. We are focusing on service, quality and value for money."

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